JCJC Host Young Entrepreneurs

ELLISVILLE – Wannabe and real entrepreneurs spent a day at Jones County Junior College’s Whitehead Advanced Technology Center on September 30th sharing hopes and reality.   The event, attracting nearly 100 students and numerous local entrepreneurs, was an introduction to the growing Southern Entrepreneurship Program.

“Entrepreneurism is not taught in schools,” said Dr. Brent Hales, University of Southern Mississippi assistant professor of economic development and entrepreneurship.  “It is vital to expose these young students to business opportunities.  Too many brilliant business-minded young people are leaving and we have to train them to reverse that trend and increase opportunities for them to stay here.”  The new Southern Entrepreneurship Program he developed allows Mississippi high school students the opportunity to thrive in their own business with the expertise of those who are already entrepreneurs. 

The University of Southern Mississippi and its partners – Jones County Junior College, the WAEM Regional Initiative, The Montgomery Institute, the Small Business Development Center, the JCJC Whitehead Advanced Technology Center, East Mississippi Community College, and Challenge Country – provide lessons in life you can’t find in a textbook or in too many classrooms. 

“If money is the driving force you won’t be satisfied.  It’s got to be something greater.” said Dr. Joe Michael Robertson, owner of Catfish One and one of the real entrepreneurs attending.  “You have to do what you love or be in a business you love because initially you don’t make a lot of money. I worked part time at another job while starting my business.” 

He was joined by Rare Design’s Rodney Richardson, Caliente Grill’s Charles Arinder, South City Record’s Blake Parker, and Petal High School senior Hannah Walker who spoke on behalf of her friend and owner of the Uniform Corner Adrianna Gordon.  All discussed the pros and cons of owning your own business. 

The high school juniors and seniors also had the opportunity to hear from students like themselves who participated in the Southern Entrepreneurship pilot program last year.  Six high school students and Petal business owners, answered questions and gave advice to this year’s aspiring entrepreneurs.

“You can have the best idea,” said Kiesha Everett, student owner of the New Orleans Shaved Ice company, “but you need money to begin.”  Everett’s father invested $10,000 in her business and she enlisted her brothers to help.  This year she is in the process of paying her father off and expanding her business to include a second location. 

Educators from the seven schools that participated in the Southern Entrepreneurship Program praised the program for providing students with real and practical skills. “This is a good foundation in preparing students and helping them to decide whether they can start their own business, what to expect, and what obstacles they may run into,” said Stringer business teacher, Mary Smith.